Autism

[Susiesmommy]

Hi Just a question here
My son who is 7 almost 8 was never tested for Autism,but a teacher that taught children with Autism,said he had Autisic tendencies,is there such a thing,he rocks for long periods of time on the couch,when he was younger he used to fall asleep doing it.Now my husband hears him doing it on his bed at bedtime.
he sticks to one subject for long periods of time-months.he will ask to have something or do something,but repeats the question even tho it was answered already.blinks his eyes rapidly when stressed.There are other little things that worry me,but no money to get tested.Should I tell his Biological dad who now wants to see him even tho he really hasnt seen my son his whole life,about his autisic tendencies?
Thanks

 

[kayd1966]

Welcome to this little corner of CF!

The things you have listed, do sound like Autism but I am no professional.

Autism is a spectrum disorder so many things can be considered "tendencies". I would check out some of the checklists on autism websites to see what you feel. You know your son better than anyone. Also, check to see if there is an autism society in your area, give them a call to find out about services or information in your area.

As for telling his birth father, I can't really help you there. If it was me, I wouldn't tell him because there is nothing confirmed, if he notices and asks then explain what you know.

Can the school do any testing?

 

[Susiesmommy]

Thanks for the info
He is homeschooled(which he doesn't struggle with except math a bit,which I had problems with in school)

 

[kayd1966]

My son doesn't struggle with academics either. He has more of a struggle with social interaction. He loves playing with kids but can't always explain what he's wanting. He also can't carry on a conversation without prompts.

As you read more about autism, you will find that every child is diffferent. There is no textbook description that is exact.

 

[Susiesmommy]

when he was younger as a baby and toddler he was much more happier being by himselve in his crib,i used to enjoy it to a point when he was sick because he would finally be wanting to be held.he also had a bad birth,long labor and his head got stuck in birth canal,had an emergency c-section he was born grey and big 9 lbs 2 ozs.my nephew was born the same way excatly and he was tested for autism and has it.In your opinion would that be a factor(the birth)?Any good Autism sites you could give me?
Thanks

 

[kayd1966]

I'm not sure if the birth has anything to do with austim but the birth might have caused something that looks like autism or autistic tendencies.

Websites:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm
http://www.autism-pdd.net/ (this one has a checklist and diagostic section under Diagnosing Autism)

 

[LADY DI]

Hi Just a question here
My son who is 7 almost 8 was never tested for Autism,but a teacher that taught children with Autism,said he had Autisic tendencies,is there such a thing,he rocks for long periods of time on the couch,when he was younger he used to fall asleep doing it.Now my husband hears him doing it on his bed at bedtime.
he sticks to one subject for long periods of time-months.he will ask to have something or do something,but repeats the question even tho it was answered already.blinks his eyes rapidly when stressed.There are other little things that worry me,but no money to get tested.Should I tell his Biological dad who now wants to see him even tho he really hasnt seen my son his whole life,about his autisic tendencies?
Thanks

I WOULD SUGGEST YOU TAKE HIM TO YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR AND DISCUSS YOUR CONCERNS. THEY MAY HAVE HIM EVALUATED TO SEE IF HE IS AUTISTIC OR NOT.

 

[INFUSION]

my son was diagnosed with autisim when he was 4 years old also he had signs of obssesive behaviours and would rock constantly and hurt himself he has particular routines and doesnt like his routine to be changed he also is deaf and was diagnosed at 9 as having congenital sensineural hearing loss and wears hearing aides the behaviour to autisim and deafness are very simmular dont wait til i did if you are worried get youre son checked ot, god bless and hope all goes well

 

[INFUSION]

children with autisim cant express there emotions and how they feel you need to get a referal from a doctor and see a specialist there are people out there who can help. my son is 12 and with his autisim he is 2 years behind in his learning the signs are very simular god bless,mel

 

[Hockley]

I teach in a program for severe emotional / behavioural program and have one student currently who is diagnosed in the autism spectrum. I would recommend checking with your doctor. The psychologist who diagnosed the student in my classroom also provided a number of resources and strategies to help me do a better job for my student.

 

[KimLCMS]

You might check our WebMD under Autistic Spectrum Disorder. My daughter was recently diagnosed with PDD-NOS which is "on the spectrum." There are many forms of autism and varying degrees of it. I would also start with your family doctor. Ask for a referral to a child psychiatrist - it may be covered under you health plan (ours is ).